How Do You Spell PINOCYTOSIS?

Pronunciation: [pˌɪnəsɪtˈə͡ʊsɪs] (IPA)

Pinocytosis (/ˌpɪnəsaɪˈtoʊsɪs/) is a process in which a cell engulfs extracellular fluid and its contents. The spelling of this word is derived from Greek, where "pino" (πίνω) means "I drink," and "cytos" (κύτος) means "cell," with the suffix "-osis" indicating a process or condition. The IPA phonetic transcription of "pinocytosis" highlights the pronunciation of each syllable and helps to understand the correct spelling of the word. This process plays an essential role in many cellular functions, including nutrient uptake and immune response.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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PINOCYTOSIS Meaning and Definition

  1. Pinocytosis is a process of cellular uptake or "cell drinking" through which cells engulf extracellular fluid, along with dissolved substances, in order to internalize them into the cell. This mechanism involves the formation of small, invaginated vesicles called vesicles or pinosomes. These vesicles are formed by the plasma membrane, which invaginates around the substance or fluid to be internalized.

    Pinocytosis is a non-selective process, meaning it does not specifically target particular substances. Instead, it serves as a general method for cells to sample and internalize their environment. The process of pinocytosis is vital for various cellular functions, including nutrient uptake, waste removal, and cell signaling.

    The process begins with the plasma membrane extending outward to envelop the extracellular fluid. It then pinches off to form a pinocytic vesicle within the cell cytoplasm. Once inside the cell, the pinosome fuses with lysosomes or other internal vesicles, which contain enzymes needed to break down or process the internalized substances.

    Pinocytosis is distinct from phagocytosis, which involves the engulfment of larger solid particles and materials. It is also different from receptor-mediated endocytosis, which occurs when cells selectively internalize specific molecules by binding them to specific receptors on the plasma membrane.

    Overall, pinocytosis plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis by enabling cells to uptake and process various substances from the extracellular milieu.

Common Misspellings for PINOCYTOSIS

Etymology of PINOCYTOSIS

The word "pinocytosis" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "píno" meaning "I drink" or "I drink up" and "kýtos" meaning "cell". In the context of cell biology, pinocytosis refers to the process by which cells take in extracellular fluid and dissolved substances by invaginating their membrane to form small vesicles. The term was coined by the Belgian cytologist Paul A. A. Renaut in the early 20th century to describe this cellular activity.

Plural form of PINOCYTOSIS is PINOCYTOSES